The Controversial Truth About the World’s Most Popular Makeup Brushes: Which Ones Actually Work?
The global beauty industry loves a good trend. Every season, a new makeup brush set or liquid foundation brush goes viral on TikTok or Instagram, instantly becoming a “must-have.” But here’s the catch: not every brush that racks up millions of views is truly the best foundation brush for liquid foundation or the most effective tool for blending liquid and cream foundations.
In this guide, we’ll take a critical, expert-driven look at the world’s most hyped brushes and sets. From celebrity makeup artist favorites to budget-friendly alternatives, we’ll separate the genuinely effective from the overhyped, and help you find brushes that give you streak free results, desired coverage, and long-term value.
1. Why Brushes Spark So Much Debate
The global cosmetics brush set market is booming. According to Grand View Research, the makeup brush segment was valued at $1.8 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow steadily, driven by social media tutorials and influencer culture.
But with that hype comes confusion. Do you need a big makeup brush set with 32 pieces, or just four core tools? Is a kabuki brush better than a flat top foundation brush? And are professional makeup brush sets really worth the investment compared to drugstore alternatives?
The controversy lies in marketing vs. results. Some brushes become famous not for performance but because they look photogenic on Instagram. Others, like the NOORELA Flawless Core Foundation Brush, gain recognition because they combine cruelty free design, tapered brush heads, and professional-grade results.
2. The Most Popular Global Makeup Brushes (And What Experts Really Think)
Here’s a breakdown of the hottest beauty brushes worldwide—and where they stand when put under expert scrutiny.
1. Real Techniques Expert Face Brush
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Why It’s Popular: Affordable, accessible, and consistently recommended by influencers.
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Controversy: Some celebrity makeup artists argue it’s too dense for light coverage, often leaving heavier finishes.
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Verdict: Great entry-level option, but not the most versatile.
2. Morphe M439 Deluxe Buffer Brush
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Why It’s Popular: A cult favorite for years, loved for its buffing ability.
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Controversy: Mixed reviews about bristle shedding and durability.
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Verdict: Solid for cream foundations but may not last as long as higher-end brushes.
3. Sigma F80 Flat Kabuki Brush
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Why It’s Popular: One of the most famous kabuki brushes for liquid foundation.
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Controversy: Expensive compared to competitors, with some reports of streaking if not cleaned regularly.
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Verdict: Excellent brush head design, but requires consistent care.
4. Sephora Collection PRO Foundation Brush #56
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Why It’s Popular: Professional-grade tool with a sleek tapered brush.
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Controversy: Pricey for a private-label brush; some buyers say there are cheaper equivalents.
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Verdict: Reliable, but not always the best value.
5. MAC 217 Blending Brush
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Why It’s Popular: Legendary in the eye brushes category.
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Controversy: No longer made with natural fibers—angering long-time fans.
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Verdict: Still great for eye makeup blending, but faces stiff competition from cruelty free brands.
6. NOORELA Flawless Core Foundation Brush
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Why It’s Popular: Rising star, designed for streak free application, even with liquid and cream foundations.
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Expert Insight: Its tapered brush head and flat top kabuki style are praised by professionals for achieving desired coverage without absorbing excess product.
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Verdict: A serious contender against legacy brands—especially for users who want cruelty free performance with pro-level results.
7. NOORELA Gummy Bear Makeup Sponge
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Why It’s Popular: A fun, ergonomic twist on the classic beauty sponge.
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Controversy: Sponges often face durability questions, but NOORELA’s design resists tearing and gives smooth blending liquid finishes.
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Verdict: A playful yet professional tool that complements foundation brushes in any makeup brush set.
3. Customer Pain Points: What the Hype Ignores
Through reviews, expert commentary, and user insights, three pain points consistently surface:
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Streaking Issues: Many brushes marketed as “best brushes for makeup” fail to deliver a smooth, streak free finish.
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Overstuffed Kits: A 24-piece cosmetic brush set often includes redundant tools, leaving users overwhelmed.
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Durability & Cleaning: Brushes with weak ferrules or low-quality bristles lose shape, shed, or harbor bacteria.
This is why experts now recommend quality over quantity. A professional makeup brush kit with 6–10 well-designed brushes beats a cluttered drawer of filler brushes every time.
4. How to Spot Truly Great Brushes
Experts suggest looking for the following markers when evaluating a makeup brush set or individual tool:
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Cruelty Free & Vegan Fibers → Matches ethical standards while performing as well as natural hair.
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Tapered Brush Design → Allows precision and blending liquid foundation seamlessly.
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Balanced Handle & Ferrule Strength → Ensures durability and ease of use.
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Brush Head Density → Full enough for coverage, flexible enough to avoid harsh streaks.
By these measures, products like the NOORELA Flawless Core Foundation Brush outperform many viral brushes because they blend performance, ethics, and long-term reliability.
5. FAQs About Makeup Brush Sets
Q1: Do I need a full makeup brush set, or can I buy singles?
A: Unless you’re a pro, 6–8 well-chosen brushes (foundation, powder, blush, eye brushes) are enough. Overstuffed kits are rarely necessary.
Q2: What’s the best brush for liquid foundation?
A: A flat top kabuki brush with synthetic, cruelty free bristles—like the NOORELA Flawless Core Foundation Brush—is ideal for blending liquid without streaks.
Q3: How often should I clean my makeup brushes?
A: Weekly for foundation brushes, biweekly for eye brushes. Use gentle soap or brush cleaner.
Q4: Are expensive brushes always better?
A: Not necessarily. Mid-range brushes like Real Techniques rival high-end options. The key is bristle quality, brush head design, and durability.
Final Thoughts: Buy Tools, Not Hype
The global market will keep pushing makeup brush sets filled with unnecessary tools, and influencers will keep hyping brushes for their aesthetics. But the truth is simple: the best makeup brushes are the ones that deliver desired coverage, streak free blending, and long-lasting durability.
For buyers tired of sifting through hype, the NOORELA Flawless Core Foundation Brush and Gummy Bear Sponge stand out as tools that merge professional performance with cruelty free values—without overstuffing your beauty kit.
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